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RRD Single

on the beach

The RRD Wave Cult range is completely redesigned for 2010 / 11 and labelled the V4 (Version 4). It comes in three sizes, and each size is offered as either a quad or single-fin version. We’re currently testing the Quad 75 in our smaller waveboard test (with very positive results so far), so this test focuses on the Single 83. If down-the-line riding is more your thing, then RRD also offer the Hardcore range of boards.

The RRD is a classy looking product. The pads, straps and fin are high quality and the overall look of the board is very good. Looking at the measurements, the RRD is one of the shortest boards in the group at 227cm, and has one of the narrower tail widths at 34.6cm.

On the water the RRD feels like what we’d describe as a ‘new school single-fin’. It’s shorter and more compact underfoot than a traditional single-fin, and trades some speed and early planing performance for improved manoeuvrability. In a straight line the board still retains that single-fin feel and flies from the tail with good drive off the fin, but in terms of performance it isn’t quite as fast or early to plane as some single-fins can be. Nevertheless, it is extremely comfortable in a straight line with a soft, smooth ride, and the single-fin sensation is still in our opinion the most exciting feel in a straight line.

This straight line single-fin feel, combined with good jumping and a compact and manoeuvrable shape, make this the best (jointly) bump-&-jump board of the group, perfect for those choppy, windy days at the coast.

It’s on the wave where you start to see the benefits of this more modern single-fin design. Being one of the shorter, more compact boards in test, with nicely tucked rails, it feels very soft, manoeuvrable and flowing underfoot. The bottom turn is very smooth and safe; even on faster waves and in choppier conditions the turning performance allows you to position the board where you want on the wave.

The top turn is very good for a single-fin, but isn’t comparable to the tight turning of a multi-fin board. As with all single-fins, if you turn into white water the board will come around plenty quick enough, but if you’re trying to carve your top turn on an unbroken wave or piece of swell, you just won’t have the same tight turning potential of a multi-fin.

Backside riding is good as the board carves very smoothly off the heelside, and is compact enough with plenty of grip from the fins for some tight snaps off the top. Overall, the Wavecult has that fantastic soft, floaty, flowing and easygoing ride that many RRD boards have become associated with, making it great fun in mushy wave conditions where it holds speed through the turns and seems to glide really well. It is perhaps not quite so well suited to bigger, faster waves, where advanced riders may prefer a board that can carve a harder line with more grip from the rail.

The Wavecult was happy carrying our 5.3m test sails, and could take up to 5.7m if necessary. At the top end the board is very controllable for a single-fin and could be used with 4.2-4.5m sails, although a smaller fin may be a welcome addition in these conditions.

target buyer

The RRD Wavecult is a good, fun waveboard for all abilities of riders in all conditions. For those who prefer the simplicity of a single-fin, the RRD is a great choice that offers excellent single-fin waveriding performance, combined with great comfort and the slightly more exciting straight line feel of a single-fin board.